ALBERT BROOKS

Date of Birth: July 22, 1947

His real name is Albert Einstein. No kidding. Born in Los Angeles, he was given the name of the greatest scientist of the 20th century. But Albert Brooks, actor, writer and director, has never been compared to Einstein. He's more likely to be compared to Woody Allen, who makes quirky movies based loosely on his personal experiences.

Brooks has directed and written several modestly-budgeted, but profitable films that have been well received by critics. He coaxed Debbie Reynolds to play the lead in Mother (1996) after a 26-year absence from the big screen. As a writer, he won a New York Film Critics Circle Award for the screenplay and received a 1997 ShoWest Award for Screenwriter of the Year.

As an actor, he received an Oscar nomination for his work in Broadcast News (1988), co-starring opposite Holly Hunter and William Hurt.

In 2008, he played a recurring role as Lenny Botwin in the Golden Globe award-winning series Weeds. He's also voiced characters for a number of animated movies, including Finding Nemo (2003) and The Simpsons Movie (2007).

Brooks has two children with his wife, Kimberly.

Filmography:

The Simpsons Movie (2007) (voice)
Finding Nemo (2003) (voice)
The In-Laws (2003)
My First Mister (2001)
The Muse (1999)
Out Of Sight (1998)
Doctor Dolittle (1998) (voice)
Critical Care (1997)
Mother (1996)
I'll Do Anything (1994)
The Scout (1994)
Defending Your Life (1991)
Broadcast News (1987)
Lost in America (1985)
Unfaithfully Yours (1984)
Twilight Zone: The Movie (1983)
Modern Romance (1981)
Private Benjamin (1980)
Real Life (1979)
Taxi Driver (1976)
Milton Berle's Mad World of Comedy (1974)